Rice Paper Lamps Give Any Space a Warm Glow—Here Are Some Great Options

noguchi inspired rice paper lanterns — Photo: Urban Outfitters / Image Treatment: The Spruce

Even if the name Isamu Noguchi doesn’t ring a bell, you’re likely very familiar with his most iconic design contribution. The Japanese-American artist and designer brought rice paper lamps, a fundamental part of Japanese culture since the 11th century, to homes in the 1950s through his Akari ("light" in Japanese) collection.

Many decades later, the lightweight, delicate paper lamps—which come in a variety of shapes and sizes—have seen a resurgence in popularity. And for good reason: They instantly add a soft glow, subtle texture, and interesting silhouette to any space—whether you hang an oversized bulbous shade over your dining table or add a petite rice paper lamp to your bedside table.

Need one (or two) for your own home? Scroll on for 15 of our favorite Japanese rice paper lamps.

Urban Outfitter

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Get your glow on with this classic orb-shaped pendant. It’s available in three sizes, so you can choose to hang a standout solo light or pair them together for a dramatic display. Don’t feel like you need to be living in your forever home to hang them either; their collapsible design makes moving with these delicate rice paper lamps a breeze.

Akirastudioart Irregular Shape Japanese Hanging and Floor Lamp

Etsy

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For a rice paper design that doubles as decor, add this eye-catching, irregularly shaped lamp to your Etsy cart. It can be hung as a pendant style or attached to a floor lamp, making it all the more versatile. Assembling it is easy too; simply stretch the accordion-like lampshade around the iron skeleton and voilà—you're all done!

Hay

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If your ceilings lack the height a round rice paper shade begs for, opt for this squat ellipse shape from HAY. You’ll get the same glow and touch of texture without feeling like you’ll bump your head on it. They also sell three different-sized round versions, so you can choose the one that best fits your space.

Amazon

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At nearly 23 inches tall and almost 16 inches wide, this rice paper lamp makes for a standout piece of decor that’s equally pretty and practical. We especially love that it’s on a dimmer, so you can adjust the brightness for the ambiance.

Kutsurogu Tomato Japanese Paper Shade Night Lamp

Etsy

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Just when you thought rice paper lamps couldn’t get any cuter, you see this petite tomato-shaped version. It’s compact, and perfect for a bedside table. Since it’s battery-operated, you can move it around from space to space without needing to worry about where the nearest outlet is.

Ikea

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IKEA to the budget-friendly rescue, per usual. If you're unsure whether the rice paper trend is for you, try this round pendant lamp shade that allows you to try the trend without hurting your wallet.

Amazon

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This rice paper lamp would add a subtle glow to any dark corner. Choose between a white or beige lamp shade, as well as a floor lamp or table lamp version. Whichever combination you choose will be a beautiful addition to your home.

Wayfair

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For an understated version of a rice paper lamp, consider this cylindrical lampshade that is adhered to a driftwood base. It would add a soft glow to your home desk whenever looming deadlines have you working past sunset.

Wonderhausdecor Japanese Paper Cubic Floor Lamp

Etsy

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Clear off some space on your dresser or on the floor near your bedside for this stunning Noguchi-inspired desk lamp. It’ll bring a warm glow, a cool shape, and a subtle texture to any space—it's a triple win.

Etsy

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For a zen ambiance in your bedroom, add one (or both) of these petite rice paper lamps to your cart. Choose between the round or oval shape, or—better yet—nab one of each. They’ll add a soft glow to your bedside table as you’re winding down for the night.

Ikea

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We can picture it now: This onion-shaped pendant lamp hanging over your dining room table, or greeting guests in an entryway, or lighting up a reading corner. Its double layer of rice paper adds a pretty petal pattern wherever you hang it. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly too.

Etsy

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There’s no wrong place to hang this accordion-like rice paper pendant, but we love the idea of the short version adding a soft glow to a hallway or the long one (which is over five feet long) lighting up a cozy corner.

Design Within Reach

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These round rice paper shades, which are available in three sizes as well as an ellipse version, are as classic as they come. Hang one or a cluster of them—either way, they’re bound to look beautiful.

PumpkinPopeye Tripod Rice Paper Floor Lamp

Etsy

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Repeat after us: No more boring floor lamps. Replace the dated one in your living room with this gorgeous tripod-style rice paper one. You won’t regret it.

Yoshihiro Noguchi Japanese Style Wind Paper Lamps

Etsy

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We’d like to think that Noguchi would approve of these geometric rice paper lamps. The structural wonders are available in four long shapes and would add visual interest anywhere you hang them. Just be prepared to answer, “where did you get your lamp?" Guests are guaranteed to comment on it.